Local Connections is currently being trialled through select Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals.
About Local Connections
Local Connections supports adults 26 or older experiencing social isolation or loneliness to build strong social connections, with the help of a link worker.
All support is free and confidential, and you do not need a Medicare card or referral from your GP.
Social prescribing, the foundation of Local Connections, recognises that good mental health and wellbeing are closely tied to meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging.
Local Connections is a social prescribing initiative delivered through select Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals. Like being prescribed an exercise plan or balanced diet, social prescribing identifies tailored ways for you to connect with others and strengthen your sense of connection.
To find out more about how the Local Connections program was developed, visit the Department of Health’s website.
What to expect from your link worker
Your link worker is a staff member from the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local. When you join the Local Connections program, your link worker will be your guide to building meaningful connections in your community.
They will take the time to get to know your strengths, interests, and goals.
Many link workers have lived experience with loneliness or isolation, so they understand the journey to building a sense of belonging.
Whether you prefer meeting for a coffee, taking a walk, or having regular chats at your Mental Health and Wellbeing Local, your link worker will support you in a way that feels right for you.
Getting support
You can get in contact with your nearest Mental Health and Wellbeing Local to access support from the Local Connections program.
Find your local support
The Local Connections initiative is available at the following Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals:
| Location | Contact details |
|---|---|
Benalla 90-94 Nunn St, | Open for walk-ins or call for support Tel. 1800 000 842 |
Brimbank 45 Dickson St, | Open for walk-ins or call for support Tel. 03 9448 5522 |
Frankston Ground Floor, 454 Nepean Hwy, | Open for walk-ins or call for support Tel. 1800 000 525 |
Greater Geelong and Queenscliffe 181 Moorabool Street, | Open for walk-ins or call for support Tel. 1800 573 151 |
Latrobe 23 Hazelwood Road, | Open for walk-ins or call for support Tel. 1800 571 142 |
Mansfield 31 Highett Street, | Walk-ins are available Monday, Wednesday and Friday, or call for support any day Tel. 1800 000 842 |
Wangaratta 5 Victoria Parade, | Open for walk-ins or call for support Tel. 1800 000 842 |
Whittlesea Suite 7/1 Danaher Drive, | Open for walk-ins or call for support Tel. 1800 571 145 |
The importance of social connection
Loneliness and social isolation have significant health impacts. People who experience loneliness and social isolation are twice as likely to develop chronic heart disease and five times more likely to be diagnosed with depression. Chronic social isolation and loneliness has similar effects on mortality to smoking, drinking and obesity.
Social connection positively influences our mental and physical health in many ways. People who are socially connected are more likely to live longer, have better sleep quality and quantity from reduced stress, maintain good mental wellbeing and be better supported in recovery from mental ill-health or addiction.
For additional tips on combating loneliness or developing meaningful connections, visit the Strong relationships, strong health web page.
- Howick J, Kelly P, Kelly M 2019, 'Establishing a causal link between social relationships and health using the Bradford Hill Guidelines', SSM Population Health, 8, Article 100402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2019.100402
- Kent de Grey RG, Uchino BN, Trettevik R, et al. 2018, 'Social support and sleep: a meta-analysis', Health Psychology, 37, 787–798. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0000628
- Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System (Vol 1, p. 329) and Salehi A, Ehrlich C, Kendall E, et al. 2019, 'Bonding and bridging social capital in the recovery of severe mental illness: a synthesis of qualitative research', Journal of Mental Health, 28(3), 331-339.
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